EXHIBITION RECORD
Betty LaDuke:From Africa with Love
Saturday, January 31, 2004 through Sunday, March 28, 2004

Betty LaDuke: From Africa with Love

January 31 – March 28, 2004

Since 1986, Betty LaDuke, professor of art at Southern Oregon State College, has made 18 journeys to Africa in search of inspiration. “I look back and realize that my travels are also a personal spirit journey,” says LaDuke. “Like a serpent shedding skin, I cast aside routine responsibilities to experience an extraordinarily different world view.”

These feelings receive visible expression in LaDuke’s paintings, which will be on display at the Appleton from January 31 to March 28, 2004. The exhibit, “From Africa With Love,” will celebrate Black History Month and will also complement the Appleton’s permanent collection of African artists.

In addition to the exhibition of her art, LaDuke will personally share her experiences with the public at the Appleton on Saturday, February 21, in a lecture entitled “Symbolic Self-Portraits.” Then on Sunday, February 22, she will narrate a slide presentation, “Honor the Earth: An Artist’s Journey,” in the Appleton Auditorium.

There is no charge for the lectures, but reservations are recommended by calling the Museum at (352) 236-7100, extension 113.

LaDuke began her formal art training at the High School of Music in New York. She later was awarded scholarships at Denver University, the Cleveland Institute of Art and Mexico’s Instituto Allende. Her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are from California State University in Los Angeles.

In 1964 LaDuke joined the faculty of Southern Oregon University in Ashland. There, she initiated the courses “Women in Art” and “Art in the Third World,” which led to achievements such as the Oregon Governor’s Award for Art in 1993. After 32 years of teaching, LaDuke is now Professor of Art Emeritus.

Throughout her career, LaDuke has traveled extensively, and experiences with cultural diversity form the basis of her art work. Her annual travels have resulted in five book publications. She also has had more than 250 solo exhibitions of her paintings, drawings, etchings and photographs – all on cultural themes.

“The challenge for me as an artist is to convert the essence of momentary events into archetypal images. Between myth and reality, my paintings and etchings evolve slowly and reflect local traditions as well as encompass our shared human emotions and aspirations.

“They are my praise song to Africa.”